Havana

[Edye Minetye]

Expect about a 2-3 hour drive to Havana (by taxi). I'm guessing that's going to set you back about 200 CUC. With the gas shortages and all. Also expect some sort of scam along the way that will set you back an additional 20 - 80 CUC. Have fun.

The regular price for a taxi Varadero airport to Havana is 80 CUC.

This was before the pertoleum shortige, and if you were alone in the taxi.

If there were 2 persons in the taxi I paid 40 CUC.

When you arive don't talk to individual drivers who are waiting in front of the airport.

Talk only to the person (sometimes a lady) who is in charge to assign the taxis.

Ask him / her for a collectivo to Havana.

When he / she finds more persons willing to go with a collectivo to Havana you pay only your part of the total price.

I went several times with a taxi to Havana but there are no scams along the way.

Sometimes the driver wanted to smoke cigarette, but then I stayed in the car.

[Ty Down]

I found a little restaurant called Bone Ma on Calle 21 just off M in Vedado. If you park yourself on the veranda alongside the sidewalk in the mornings, there is a constant flow of pretty and friendly chicas passing by. And the food and drink wasn't bad either.

Thank you for the Restaurant recommendation I see they have great reviews. I will be checking it out. Cheers mate.

[Ty Down]

Hi,

Does anyone know how I can get a cheap taxi from Varadero airport to Havana center.

I arrive at 7 pm and need to get to my casa.

Buses are not going no more so I need to take a taxi.

Any suggestions?

Expect about a 2-3 hour drive to Havana (by taxi). I'm guessing that's going to set you back about 200 CUC. With the gas shortages and all. Also expect some sort of scam along the way that will set you back an additional 20 - 80 CUC. Have fun.

[Frank58]

Hi,

Does anyone know how I can get a cheap taxi from Varadero airport to Havana center.

I arrive at 7 pm and need to get to my casa.

Buses are not going no more so I need to take a taxi.

Any suggestions?

[MjTravelLove]

I found a little restaurant called Bone Ma on Calle 21 just off M in Vedado. If you park yourself on the veranda alongside the sidewalk in the mornings, there is a constant flow of pretty and friendly chicas passing by. And the food and drink wasn't bad either.

Thanks mate, I'll report back if I find anything worthy of doing so.

[Koki9290]

What are your favorite areas and establishments around Havana to search for chicas to whom we can say hola?

Thanks.

I found a little restaurant called Bone Ma on Calle 21 just off M in Vedado. If you park yourself on the veranda alongside the sidewalk in the mornings, there is a constant flow of pretty and friendly chicas passing by. And the food and drink wasn't bad either.

[Hyrul]

Hey Hyrul,

Thanks for the link, seems like the rental price for the car I usually rent runs over $105 daily (Kia Picante) I think maybe it's because of my travel dates which are in the middle of January. My last rental a couple of years back at the end of February, this same car rented for around $78 daily.

I think the upside of renting thru your link might be the rental price quoted is in USD, correct me in case I'm wrong.

Mondo.

Sounds about right. Prices were also different a couple years back. You'll want to read the fine print of the booking website to see what's included and what's not included. From what I recall, Rex may be different than Havana Auto. And Havana Auto may be different than Trans. For example, is insurance included in the price or will that have to be paid when you arrive?

The beauty of it is that you can book online and have confidence that your car is reserved (I can vouch for it since I've done it more than 8-9 times myself). I can't imagine showing up and walking into a rental agency and being at their mercy in terms of pricing and what's available. This is Cuba after all! They almost always take a security deposit from you which they return upon the end of your rental. They'll walk around the car and make sure no damage has been done. I've never had the slightest issue.

[Ty Down]

Please elaborate. I'm about to head to Havana soon.

I'll be there next month, so I was talking to some friends in Cuba last night, they are telling me that out in the Provinces, outside of Havana, supplies are dwindling, it's getting bad. No beer, no medicine, store shelves are empty, no gas, electricity outages and the people are going crazy.

[Mondo707]

Hey Mondo,

I always book my cars through the Cuba Travel Network via Cuba Junky:

http://www.cuba-junky.com/cuba/car_rental_engine.html

I get to the airport, grab my luggage, exchange my money outside and then walk over to the rental office (literally a 30 second walk from outside the airport). All of the car "companies" have an office there, Transtur, Havana Auto, Rex, etc.

Hey Hyrul,

Thanks for the link, seems like the rental price for the car I usually rent runs over $105 daily (Kia Picante) I think maybe it's because of my travel dates which are in the middle of January. My last rental a couple of years back at the end of February, this same car rented for around $78 daily.

I think the upside of renting thru your link might be the rental price quoted is in USD, correct me in case I'm wrong.

Mondo.

[Bleble]

Here's my theory, shit is about to get real in Cuba.

Please elaborate. I'm about to head to Havana soon.

[Newport]

Here's my theory, shit is about to get real in Cuba.

LOL What do you mean?

I heard cigar prices went up about 15%, can anyone confirm?

[Ty Down]

Here's my theory, shit is about to get real in Cuba.

[Hyrul]

Hey Hyrul,

Have to agree with you about the car rentals in Cuba, I've posted before about it, and have the same take as you.

BTW, would you mind sharing how you go about renting cars, do you rent once you arrive or do it before getting to Cuba? Lately I'm trying to do it thru an outfit out of SoFla but so far they tell me I have to wait since I'm going next January and they don't know prices!

I've had luck a couple times at the airport but the last time I struck out.

Mondo.

Hey Mondo,

I always book my cars through the Cuba Travel Network via Cuba Junky:

http://www.cuba-junky.com/cuba/car_rental_engine.html

I get to the airport, grab my luggage, exchange my money outside and then walk over to the rental office (literally a 30 second walk from outside the airport). All of the car "companies" have an office there, Transtur, Havana Auto, Rex, etc.

[Mondo707]

Interesting how we all have different experiences to such extreme degrees.

I've been to Havana nearly 15 times. On average I stay about 10 days (sometimes a month). I have rented a car every time except the 1st time I was there I simply cannot be bothered with a personal driver. The first time I was there, we didn't have a car and we constantly were waiting for our driver to show up. I promised myself I'the get a car from now on and that's what I've done. Plus, there's something about driving in Havana on your own (or with your friends) which gets eliminated when you're being driven around. The cost of a driver is pretty much the same as renting a car. I'the much rather have the car whenever I want it and not be at the mercy of anyone. If you need suggestions on places to see and go, you can always ask anyone else. I've never had an issue finding things to do.

The rules of driving in Havana are simple. Don't speed, don't drink and drive, and always carry your papers and license on you. Apart from that, you'll be fine unless you heavily injure someone which is the case in practically every country. Fender benders aren't a big deal and can be dealt with easily.

As for girls in Havana. I agree with those who have said it couldn't be any easier. Smile, say Hello, some basic chit chat and you're usually good to go.

Hey Hyrul,

Have to agree with you about the car rentals in Cuba, I've posted before about it, and have the same take as you.

BTW, would you mind sharing how you go about renting cars, do you rent once you arrive or do it before getting to Cuba? Lately I'm trying to do it thru an outfit out of SoFla but so far they tell me I have to wait since I'm going next January and they don't know prices!

I've had luck a couple times at the airport but the last time I struck out.

Mondo.

[Mondo707]

Interesting how we all have different experiences to such extreme degrees.

I've been to Havana nearly 15 times. On average I stay about 10 days (sometimes a month). I have rented a car every time except the 1st time I was there I simply cannot be bothered with a personal driver. The first time I was there, we didn't have a car and we constantly were waiting for our driver to show up. I promised myself I'the get a car from now on and that's what I've done. Plus, there's something about driving in Havana on your own (or with your friends) which gets eliminated when you're being driven around. The cost of a driver is pretty much the same as renting a car. I'the much rather have the car whenever I want it and not be at the mercy of anyone. If you need suggestions on places to see and go, you can always ask anyone else. I've never had an issue finding things to do.

The rules of driving in Havana are simple. Don't speed, don't drink and drive, and always carry your papers and license on you. Apart from that, you'll be fine unless you heavily injure someone which is the case in practically every country. Fender benders aren't a big deal and can be dealt with easily.

As for girls in Havana. I agree with those who have said it couldn't be any easier. Smile, say Hello, some basic chit chat and you're usually good to go.

Hey Hyrul,

Have to agree with you about the car rentals in Cuba, I've posted before about it, and have the same take as you.

BTW, would you mind sharing about how you go about renting cars, do you rent once you arrive or do it before getting to Cuba? Lately I'm trying to do it thru and outfit out of SoFla but so far they tell me I have to wait since I'm going next January and they don't know prices!

I've had luck a couple times at the airport but the last time I struck out.

Mondo.